“99% of Toothbrushes Have Fecal Matter – Here’s Why and How to Prevent It”

Brushing your teeth twice a day, for two minutes, helps maintain healthy teeth and gums, and avoid plaque buildup.

Experts recommend replacing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months. But this may not be enough to keep the toothbrush clean for the duration of its use.

Also read: Disadvantages of brushing your teeth while taking a shower

Dentist Dr. Jordan Brown revealed a disgusting truth about where we normally put our toothbrushes in a video on his TikTok channel.

And in a video, which has racked up more than 120,000 likes, the dentist explains that no matter how clean you keep your bathroom, having a toilet there is reason enough not to put your toothbrush in there and put it somewhere else.

Dr Brown explains: “Everyone needs to know this about their toothbrush. If you can see your toilet and your toothbrush in the same view without moving your head, there is a 99% chance you have fecal matter on your toothbrush. The aerosols from your toilet are flying in air and spread everywhere including with your toothbrush.”

And to use a technical term, whenever you flush the toilet it causes something called a “fecal fountain.” This sprays microscopic droplets from the toilet bowl all over the surrounding space, including your toothbrush, which is “resting innocently” in a cup on the sink. Therefore, Dr. Brown urged people to close the toilet seat when turning on the toilet flush.

Obviously, the bedroom is the best place to store a regular or electric toothbrush. But if that’s too much of a hassle for you, Brown suggested you can keep your toothbrush clean by keeping it away from other people’s toothbrushes.

You can also buy covers to put on the brush to protect against harmful bacteria.